Visit Blois and the Loire Valley châteaux from our apartments
Happy Loft, Happy Cocoon and Happy Kool are in the centre of Blois, with free private parking and self check-in. The royal château of Blois is in the town itself, and several major Loire Valley sites are about 25 minutes away by car.
The main sights around Blois
| Site | From Blois | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Château of Blois | In the town centre, on foot | Home of several French kings, famous for its François I staircase. |
| Château de Chambord | About 25 min by car | The largest château in the Loire Valley, set in a vast forested estate. |
| Château de Cheverny | About 25 min by car | Known for its period furniture and as the inspiration for Moulinsart castle in Tintin. |
| Chaumont-sur-Loire | About 25 min by car | Château and estate, home to the International Garden Festival every year. |
| Royal Château of Amboise | About 35 min by car | The town where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years, at the Clos Lucé. |
| Château de Chenonceau | About 50 min by car | The “Ladies’ Château”, built over the River Cher. |
| Beauval ZooParc | About 45 min by car | Zoo and animal park in Saint-Aignan, with free on-site parking. |
Travel times are approximate and exclude traffic. For opening hours, prices and bookings, please check the official website of each site or the Blois-Chambord tourist office.
Sports and nature activities
- By bike: Blois is on the Loire à Vélo route. The Blois – Chaumont-sur-Loire stage is about 20 km, through vineyards and the Beuvron valley.
- Canoeing: trips down the Loire are available at Blois and Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire.
- Traditional boat: boat trips on the Loire leave from Blois.
- Hiking: the Rando des 3 Ponts in Blois, or the Terrasse de Loire trail at Chaumont-sur-Loire.
- Nature: the Observatoire Loire and the Petite Loire nature reserve (guided visits only).
- Hot-air ballooning: take-offs from Chaumont-sur-Loire.
Events that return every year
- Rendez-vous de l'histoire, in Blois: a major history festival created in 1998, held every autumn, usually in early October. Most talks are free.
- International Garden Festival, at Chaumont-sur-Loire: every year from late April to early November, since 1992.
- Chambord Live, at the Château de Chambord: a music festival held in the château's park since 2022, usually in late June. Whether each edition takes place, and its line-up, should be checked.
- BD Boum, in Blois: comics festival held every year in November.
Exact dates for the current year should be checked on the official event websites.
Frequently asked questions
Which apartment should I choose to visit the Loire châteaux?
Happy Loft and Happy Cocoon (70 m², 2 bedrooms, up to 6 guests) suit families and groups. Happy Kool (40 m², 1 bedroom and sofa bed, 4 guests) suits couples and small families.
Is there parking for visits by car?
Yes, all three of our Blois apartments have free private parking.
Can you visit two châteaux in the same day?
Chambord and Cheverny are each about 25 minutes from Blois, so you can visit one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is from 4 p.m. with self check-in, and check-out is before 11 a.m.
Can I book direct?
Yes, with no platform commission, on the Reservations page.